When the clock strikes midnight on December 31st, People across the globe hold their breaths in anticipation. The new year is more than just a turn of the calendar, it ushers a sense of renewal and a clean slate. Whether it’s setting ambitious targets or reflecting on the past, the arrival of the new year is enough to make anyone want to set daring resolutions. But here's the reality: According to studies, around 80%of New Year's resolutions fail by February.So my question is, how can we turn those heartening January promises into sustainable changes throughout 2025?
Why resolutions fall short
It's not for a lack of trying, in fact, the majority of people often start the year driven and motivated, setting goals with the best intentions. Although, there are a few common reasons why resolutions tend to fizzle out.
Setting unrealistic goals: one of the biggest mistakes is aiming too high too soon. For example, saying you're going to ‘save all your money’ or ‘workout daily’ sounds impressive, but lofty goals often feel overwhelming. So when we don't see immediate progress it's easier to become discouraged.
Lack of a clear plan: Setting resolutions that are unrealistic is often too vague. without a specific plan it's difficult to navigate progress let alone where to start. ‘Your resolutions need clarity and a solid plan to be successful’
All-or-nothing mindset: if you've ever missed a gym session, for example, or splurged on an unplanned purchase, you must know how easy it is to give up on a goal once you already feel like you've failed. One slip up and lots of people can give up completely.
By Sorcha Smyth